Agent: If needed, NY Yankees' Curtis Granderson 'more than fine' with position switch

William Perlman/The Star-LedgerBrett Gardner crashes against the center field wall while chasing down a fly ball by the Phillies' Jayson Werth in Game 5 of the 2009 World Series.
NEW YORK -- The Yankees have been speaking with newly acquired outfielder Curtis Granderson about his willingness and ability to make the switch to left field. A move would clear the way for Brett Gardner to play center field, where his defensive skills would potentially enhance his value to the Yankees.

"We think he's one of the best defensive center fielders in the game," Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said.

Granderson's agent, Matt Brown, said via e-mail on Friday that his client is willing to do whatever the Yankees ask. In recent days, the Yankees have left open the possibility that they may ask Granderson to move from a position where he has been an All-Star.

"He's more than fine with it," Brown said.

Appearing on the YES Network's Yankee Hot Stove show on Thursday night, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that Granderson will enter spring training in center field, but that the team would be willing to see how the situation evolves.

"We feel we have two center fielders in our outfield situation," Cashman said.

Gardner beat out Melky Cabrera for the starting center field job last spring training, lost it after a poor start at the plate, then missed some time to injury. Still, for both his speed on the bases and his range on defense, Gardner drew raves.

Various reports published this offseason have said that Gardner has drawn interest from several teams, including Reds, Padres, White Sox, Royals and Cubs.

THE SWEEPSTAKES | What will Johnny do?
The clock's ticking on Johnny Damon's assertion last Saturday that he'd have a team within the week. And as far as our little contest goes, the latest is not good news. Our good buddy Jordan Bastian at mlb.com reports that Johnny could be a Jay.

Anyway, here are the seven people of the roughly 60 who entered who still have a chance at random prizes from my desk. Good luck!